TechSpot PC Buying Guide - August 2009

Whether you are a first time builder seeking guidance or a seasoned enthusiast lacking the time it takes to compare the seemingly endless pit of hardware available, we've got you covered. TechSpot's PC Buying Guide provides an in-depth list of today's best hardware, ranging between four unique and yet typical budgets.

Granted, if you just need to create a few documents and check your email, you can get by on much less than a $500 desktop. Yet if you follow our Budget build to the T, you'll have a system acceptable for any role apart from running graphically intense applications.

Our Enthusiast's PC incorporates a flavorful blend of both the Budget Box and Luxury System, making this the most harmonious of builds. Our intent is to keep this system within the grasp of the average computer enthusiast, essentially offering a fully-loaded PC minus some of the unnecessary bells and whistles that could set you back an additional grand or two.

Here we have a screaming edge system lacking any virtual price cap - a dream PC that is down to earth both in terms of price and configuration. Every component in the Luxury System guide was thoughtfully scrutinized in order to offer you the most for your greenback. If the additional money didn't bring about a justifiable performance leap, it didn't make the cut.